PhD Study : Graphene family materials as novel chronic wound therapeutics

Apply and key information  

Summary

The Problem:

Chronic wounds represent a serious health risk and a significant economic burden to the NHS. The majority of chronic wounds become infected within 6h by bacterial biofilm, resulting in prolonged inflammation and delayed healing. Biofilms are resistant to conventional antibiotic therapies and facilitate transfer of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes between bacteria, making chronic wounds very difficult to treat. There is clear need for novel therapeutics / treatment approaches that eradicate both biofilms and AMR transfer.

The innovative Solution:

We will develop several strategies to tackle this challenge. At first (i) well characterised pristine graphene and graphene oxide layers with controlled lateral dimensions and functional groups will be decorated with known antimicrobial and antibiofilm compounds and (ii) their antibacterial performance will be assessed. We have developed a novel polymer system which will enable (iii) the delivery of GFM to Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms enabling us to determine the effectiveness of this totally novel approach. Thirdly, we have established links with the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester, who will assist with (iv) biosafety assessment of the novel wound therapeutics developed here.

Research Excellence:

Carbon-based nanomaterials including graphene, graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes are important in a number of biological applications including biosensors, biomedical imaging and drug delivery.  Crucially, these compounds exhibit potent antimicrobial activities yet few attempts to translate their antimicrobial effects into novel therapies have been made, primarily due to lack of efficient technology for delivery of GFM to wounds, lack of understanding of their mode of action, and biosafety concerns. This project will address these specific questions and make a significant contribution to knowledge in terms of characterising antimicrobial GFM, combating antimicrobial resistance and ultimately delivering a potentially game-changing chronic wound treatment modality.

Interdisciplinarity of the Project:

The skills and experience required to deliver on this project are available in the Schools of Biomedical Science, Pharmacy and Engineering, confirming the true interdisciplinarity of this work. The project requires development of synthesis routes for production of GFM with controlled numbers of layers, sizes and functional groups, understanding of approaches by which GFM can be characterised, GFM biosafety, antimicrobial activity and the effect of different exfoliation and surface decoration approaches. It will be necessary to synthesise and load our novel polymers with GFM candidates to assess release kinetics and antimicrobial activity against nascent / established biofilms using our in-house biofilm assay.  We will also assess gene expression in treated / untreated biofilm to demonstrate that graphene-mediated physical killing does not increase in virulence trait (e.g. AMR transfer) expression.

Interdisciplinarity of the supervisor team:

The project requires interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration across colloidal chemistry, material science, and life sciences. Ternan & Snelling (BMS): characterisation of novel antimicrobial materials, gene expression. Papakonstantinou (Eng) synthesis and physiochemical characterisation of GFM. McCarron (PPS): drug delivery /formulations expert. Consequently, interdisciplinary aspects in this project will stimulate advances in the related fields, developing new expertise for the ECR, and facilitating knowledge transfer between Faculties.

Other Project Specific Requirements

Candidates should have or be about to obtain a primary degree in life sciences, pharmacy or engineering.  Knowledge of microbiology and formulation science would be desirable. Candidates should present clear motivation to undertake interdisciplinary research, and it would be advantageous to have previous experience of working on interdisciplinary projects.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Publications - peer-reviewed
  • Publications record appropriate to career stage
  • Experience of presentation of research findings
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
  • Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.
  • Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 7 February 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
9 to 20 March

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2020

Applying

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Contact supervisor

Dr Nigel Ternan

Other supervisors